Liverpool write to referees’ chiefs about decisions that went against them

Liverpool have written to the PGMOL asking for clarification after becoming frustrated with two decisions they say proved costly against Aston Villa.

There has been a series of incidents with match officials during Liverpool matches in recent weeks and anger at Anfield intensified on Saturday after incidents on either side of half-time left them perplexed.

Tyrone Mings was booked by referee John Brooks for a chest-high challenge on Cody Gakpo that left the Netherlands international writhing in pain; his shirt was ripped in the impact and he had stud marks on his torso.

The episode was reviewed by VAR Tony Harrington for a potential red card, but Brooks’ decision was not changed, even though Gakpo required lengthy treatment. Many saw that Mings could easily have been found guilty of reckless or dangerous play.

After the break, Gakpo thought he had scored the equalizer for The Kop, but that goal was disallowed by Harrington on VAR after it was believed Virgil van Dijk, who provided the ‘assist’, was offside when the ball came. to him from Ezri Konsa.

Van Dijk was stunned by it all and said, “I didn’t understand what was going on. I asked (fourth official) Michael Oliver to step off and apparently it was a question of whether the Villa player deliberately headed back and I have no idea if he did, yes or no.

‘I have no idea. I think it would be good if next season we can hear what they’re discussing, everyone around, and be transparent. So that they can explain with you, come here, that’s what happened in the Netherlands, why not here?’

Liverpool have been feeling increasingly distressed over a number of issues lately and they are now seeking clarification from PGMOL chief Howard Webb on how the decisions against Villa were made by Harrington.